OP-3 LONG-TERM RIFAXIMIN IS SAFE AND ITS RELATED TO LESS FREQUENCY OF COMPLICATIONS LIKE VARICEAL BLEEDING IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS

• Published in: Annals of hepatology 2021-09, Vol.24, p.100518, Article 100518
• Main Authors: Higuera-de-la-Tijera, Fátima, Soto-Martínez, Karen, Fúnez-Madrid, Victor H., Pérez-Hernández, José L., Alexanderson-Rosas, Graciela, Caamaño, Alfredo Servín
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1665-2681; 2659-5982
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100518

Is well established that rifaximin (RFX) is effective as secondary prophylaxis in patients with a previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy (EH); but recently, some studies have found that RFX is related to a lower frequency of other complications. To evaluate the clinical effect of long-term prescription of RFX (more than 6 months) in cirrhotic patients, and also the possible adverse effects. A case-control study nested in a cohort which included cirrhotic patients taking secondary prophylaxis with RFX because of history of a previous EH episode. From this cohort we abstracted two different groups, cases were those who continue taking RFX for more than 6 months, controls were those who suspended RFX before the first three months because of medical indication or by their own decision and therefore they did not continue the medication for long-term. The two groups were match by age, gender, decompensation of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B/C), history in the last year of at least an episode of variceal bleeding (VB), infections, EH, ascites, also was considered the previous use of beta-blockers and diuretics in patients with ascites. Adherence to therapy was mandatory, it was evaluated through the simplified medication adherence questionnaire (SMAQ) in all patients. Categorical variables were compared with X2 or Fisher´s exact test, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. Quantitative variables were compared with Student´s t test. A p